BEIJING,
Jan. 22 (Xinhuanet) -- French fries dropped in popularity while
carrots and fresh vegetables won ever large grounds among U.S. students in
kindergarten through 12th grade in cafeteria from 1998 to 2006, media reported
on Monday.
The result is from the School Nutrition Association's
annual survey given to food service directors around the country.
"If you present these healthy offerings to children,
they may turn them down the first time, but you can't give up," said Martha
Conklin, an associate professor at Penn State University who conducts research
about school nutrition programs and school food service.
"Children will adapt. Choice is important, but they
can make those selections from healthy offerings," she said, adding "As choices
on the lunch line change, many children are accepting them."
More states are enacting nutrition standards to
ensure healthy food and beverage options available to students, said Amy
Winterfeld, a health policy analyst for the National Conference of State
Legislatures.
A 2004 wellness program requires school districts
receiving federal reimbursements for school meal programs to develop policies
that promote the health of students and address the growing problem of childhood
obesity.
In 2005, at least 17 states enacted some form of
school nutrition legislation and at least 11 more approved them last year.
(Agencies)
|
